Crumbl Cookie Palm Harbor Owner Shares How He Built a Sweet Business
Ever wondered how Crumbl Cookie Palm Harbor got its start? In this post, we’re diving into the story of Kelly Cloward—local business owner, franchisee, and cookie lover—who swapped construction work for fresh-baked success. Discover why he chose Palm Harbor, how he grew the brand locally, and what he’s learned along the way.
Meet the Owner Behind Crumbl Cookie Palm Harbor
Kelly Cloward started out in construction and roofing sales, but always knew he wanted to build something of his own. After falling in love with the Crumbl Cookie concept while living in Utah, he and his cousin brought the franchise to Florida. Their first stop? Palm Harbor.
Why Choose Crumbl Cookie Palm Harbor?
Crumbl’s rotating cookie menu, viral social presence, and simple but powerful business model stood out. Each week features new flavors, keeping customers engaged and coming back. For Kelly, it was a concept that mixed smart branding with a strong support system—a perfect match for a first-time franchise owner.
Leaving Construction to Build a Cookie Business
Before opening Crumbl Cookie Palm Harbor, Kelly launched a construction business in Texas that didn’t go as planned. But that “failure” gave him hands-on experience in LLC formation, budgeting, and marketing—skills that helped him later thrive as a franchise operator. It also reinforced a belief he now passes on to others: starting messy is better than never starting at all.
Franchise vs. Starting From Scratch
Kelly is transparent about the pros and cons of both paths. With Crumbl Cookie, he gained a national brand, step-by-step operations, and full marketing infrastructure. The trade-off? Franchise fees, strict brand guidelines, and less control. But for someone newer to business, the Crumbl model offered a much-needed roadmap.
How Crumbl Cookie Palm Harbor Builds Community
More than just cookies, Kelly’s goal is to create a community hub. He’s a member of the local chamber of commerce and actively supports schools and events. His family—including newborn twins!—has experienced firsthand how welcoming Palm Harbor can be. From neighbors bringing meals to church support networks, the Clowards found more than just customers—they found connection.
What’s Next for Crumbl Cookie Palm Harbor?
Kelly currently owns two locations (Palm Harbor and Pinellas Park) and is scouting for the perfect spot to open a third. He’s holding out for an A+ location because, as he puts it, “It’s not just about expanding—it’s about growing smart.” That same intentionality is what has made Crumbl Cookie Palm Harbor a standout store in the area.
Lessons from the Cookie Counter
- Start small, think big: A failed business doesn’t mean you’re a failed entrepreneur.
- Community is your greatest asset: Palm Harbor’s support helped Crumbl thrive locally.
- Location matters: Kelly learned firsthand how a storefront’s visibility impacts sales.
- Busy is better: Juggling multiple responsibilities actually helps him stay focused.
- Franchise systems are valuable—if you use them: Having a playbook saved him time, money, and stress.
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